iscover
The Australian Army has selected the Arkeus Hyperspectral Optical Radar to enhance its Wide Area Airborne Surveillance Program and strengthen the capability of its tactical uncrewed aerial systems.
Melbourne start-up Arkeus has been selected by the Australian Army to supply its Hyperspectral Optical Radar (HSOR) for the Wide Area Airborne Surveillance (WAAS) Program. Following a global competition, the competitive process saw Arkeus being selected, strengthening the company’s position as a sovereign defence technology innovator.
The Australian Army’s integration of the HSOR marks a significant advancement in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities for Arkeus, reflecting the success of prior deployments and demonstrations with defence partners worldwide.
HSOR is an AI-powered, real-time hyperspectral ISR sensor that has been developed following successive Australian Defence contracts, which aimed to address the existing operational limitations in traditional EO/LWIR-based systems. Compared to conventional optical payloads, the HSOR system provides persistent defence protection, making it a key asset in operational environments.
“Our customer needs capability that delivers an effect across challenging and degraded visual environments,” said Simon Olsen, CEO of Arkeus.
The WAAS initiative, which is headed by the Land Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare division in Army Headquarters, aims to enhance ISR coverage and decision making within the Australian Army’s tactical uncrewed aerial systems (TUAS).
The integration of the HSOR technology aims to enhance situational awareness and increase operational effectiveness of the Army’s TUAS.
“Throughout this process, HSOR has consistently demonstrated its ability to perform where conventional optical systems struggle. We are honoured to support the Australian Army in delivering a decisive ISR edge,” Olsen said.
Arkeus has recently been successful in proving the HSOR’s effectiveness through multiple operational trials with the US Department of War.
